CLIENT

NORTHERN POWERGRID

PARTNERS

DRAW & CODE

INDUSTRY

ENERGY

Storm Triage™

Improving Storm Damage Response

Storm Triage™ is a cutting-edge solution designed to improve the response to storm damage by leveraging advanced data collection and decision-making technologies. As storm frequency and severity increase in the UK, this system provides critical support to mitigate the impacts on infrastructure and communities.

IMPACT SO FAR

100%

agreement among field test participants that Storm Triage™ would significantly enhance NPg's storm response capabilities.

100%

of field test participants agreed that the system would be beneficial to their roles and recommended further development and adoption of Storm Triage™.

ST6
1
Challenge
The increasing frequency and severity of storms in the UK have heightened the need for efficient storm damage response. The impact includes casualties, fatalities, and significant disruptions to infrastructure and services, necessitating a robust system for rapid and accurate damage assessment and decision-making.
2
Solution
Storm Triage™ integrates innovative technologies such as machine learning, 3D photogrammetry, and augmented reality (AR) to create a comprehensive mobile and web application. This system enables front-line responders to gather detailed visual data and report damage accurately, while coordinators receive real-time situational awareness for informed decision-making.
3
Impact
Field tests have shown that 100% of users find the tool beneficial, with significant improvements in data collection and analysis, leading to better prioritisation and resource management. This project has also catalysed a broader technological adoption within NPg, setting the stage for further innovation and operational efficiency improvements across the industry.

“Storm Triage has never been so relevant – the 2023/24 winter storms have ensured that.”

Ross McFarlane, Emergency Planning, NPg

Navigating Increasing Storm Frequency and Intensity

The UK is facing an unprecedented rise in the frequency and severity of storms due to climate change. Projections indicate an increase in winter wind speeds and more frequent severe winter storms. These climatic shifts pose significant risks, including casualties, fatalities, and widespread damage to infrastructure and properties. The need for innovative solutions to manage and mitigate the impacts of these storms has never been more urgent.

Introducing Storm Triage™

In response to these challenges, Storm Triage™ has emerged as a groundbreaking solution designed to enhance storm damage response. Developed by Juice Immersive in collaboration with Northern Powergrid (NPg) and Draw & Code, this comprehensive system combines mobile and web applications with cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and augmented reality (AR).

Empowering Front Runners with Advanced Mobile Technology

Storm Triage™ equips front-line responders, known as Front Runners, with a powerful mobile application available for iOS devices. This app allows Front Runners to capture detailed visual data using their device’s camera, GPS location tracking, and built-in machine learning capabilities. The app supports offline functionality, ensuring continuous operation even in areas with poor connectivity. Additionally, the inclusion of AR-assisted video calls enables remote expert support, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of damage assessment.

Enhancing Coordination and Decision-Making

For coordinators, Storm Triage™ offers a robust web application that provides a comprehensive view of the collected data. This backend system maps the reported scenes, allows for scene editing, and generates 3D models through photogrammetry. Coordinators can group scenes into detailed PDF reports and archive data by storm or season, facilitating informed decision-making and streamlined operations.

Delivering Tangible Benefits

Storm Triage™ has already demonstrated its value through rigorous field testing. In May 2024, a field test in Northumberland simulated a real storm scenario, capturing over 25 scenes and generating 461 asset photos and 22 photogrammetry 3D models. The system’s accuracy and efficiency were evident, with 100% of scene reports including accurate GPS data. Participants unanimously agreed that Storm Triage™ would be beneficial in their roles and improve NPg’s storm response capabilities.

Driving Innovation and Operational Efficiency

The success of Storm Triage™ extends beyond immediate storm response. The project has fostered a significant shift in technology adoption within NPg, highlighting the potential for broader applications across the business. Features like Remote Expert video calls and machine learning-powered smart cameras are poised to streamline team communications, enhance asset capture, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Future Potential and Industry Leadership

The upward trend in storm activity underscores the relevance and necessity of Storm Triage™. Its ability to provide timely and accurate data, minimise business disruption, and enhance resource management positions NPg as a leader in storm response innovation. The project has garnered significant industry interest, with showcases at events like the Energy Innovation Summit and Utility Week Live, and plans for further dissemination at conferences such as Net Zero for the North.

A Vision for Continued Innovation

Looking ahead, the internal support and positive feedback from stakeholders have paved the way for a full-scale release of Storm Triage™. This expansion promises to deliver even greater value, cost savings, and increased staff satisfaction across NPg. Moreover, the project has inspired the development of a bespoke camera system designed to better capture dynamic, high-stakes scenarios, further enhancing the capabilities of Storm Triage™ and similar solutions.

Storm Triage™ represents a significant advancement in storm damage response, offering a future-proof solution that addresses the critical challenges posed by increasing storm frequency and intensity. By harnessing the power of innovative technology and fostering collaboration, Storm Triage™ sets a new standard for resilience and operational excellence in the face of climate change.

"Providing front-runners with a professional package that gives you all the information they can see on site and pass it across to be utilised. We're unlocking a group of people that we haven't fully utilised in the past.”